Somali Mothers Are Dying Dr.Abdirizak Yussuf Abdillahi National RH coordinator

Somalia is a Failed state

Why Maternal Health? 1400 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births 1 in 10 women have a life-time risk of dying due to pregnancy-related causes 6.5 births per woman 8% of babies die within 4 weeks of their lives

Poor Maternal Health Care 1 in 4 women use antenatal care Quality of services are poor New-born care is neglected 90% of births are delivered at home 1 in 5 births are attended by skilled health personnel Only 5% of married women use contraceptives

Causes of maternal mortality Haemorrhage Prolonged and obstructed labour Pre-eclampsia/eclampsia Infection

Gaps in Staffing Health Facilities Number of people

Lack of qualified staff at referral hospital. Paediatric unit is managed by a GP. Qualified anaesthesia technicians are not available Lack of trained lab staff that can provide blood transfusions

Availability of essential EmONC drugs Shortage of essential drug antibiotics, anticonvulsants, antihypertensive, uterotonics, prostaglandins,and drugs for use emergencies. Shortage essential medical equipments(ambu- bag,MVA)

IAWG Needs to….. Invest in human resources qualified paediatrician, anaesthetist and OT technicians.,qualified midwives, Promote motivation of the staff Introduce and/or strengthen community midwifery program

Drugs Supply and management Strengthen the chain/mechanism to ensure availability of essential EmONC medications, Availability RH equipment

Referral system Improving the refferral system for safer motherhood specially at rural area Deployment radio phones at the far facilities Establish fund for the poor women for transportation.

Sufficient Skilled Birth Attentent.

conclusion If There is a Will There is a Way

Many Thanks

Somaliland map and distribution of settelmnts